In the spirited, joyful picture book Zamzam for Everyone a girl, in Makkah with her family for Hajj, dedicates herself to sharing.
Mariam is "one of millions" in Makkah to perform Hajj, the once-a-year Islamic pilgrimage. The girl, in a light blue hijab and red polka-dotted dress, stands on the tips of her toes to see the Ka'aba "through the sea of people." When Mama tells Mariam, "Hajj is a time to do good, share, and be thankful," Mariam decides to share her Zamzam water (blessed water from the ancient Zamzam Well). As Mariam interacts with other pilgrims, she learns how to express gratitude in various languages ("Shukriya" from an older Pakistani woman; "Terima kasih" from Indonesian sisters). In exchange, Mariam is offered dates, "pandan cookies," "crunchy fried dough," and more. Pronunciations are included for every thank you and yummy treat.
Author Razeena Omar Gutta (Ramadan on Rahama Road) immerses readers in the bustle of Makkah during the annual pilgrimage by tracking every step and shared drink of Mariam's Hajj. She and her family "walk seven times around the Ka'aba," "walk between the mountains of Safa and Marwa," and camp "in the tent city of Mina"; Mariam shares Zamzam "on the wide plains of Arafah" and "under the stars in Muzdalifa." Illustrator Bassent Dawoud's digital collage shows the diversity of those at Hajj, depicting varying skin tones, hijab styles, clothing, and physical abilities. Her overlapping patterns and saturated colors capture the movement and activity. Ample back matter includes details about Zamzam and important information on Hajj, inviting non-Muslim readers to celebrate alongside Mariam. --Hadeal Salamah, blogger, librarian, freelance reviewer